Unlock the Benefits: Essential Prescreening Questions to Ask in Any Industry

Can you briefly describe your experience as an executive assistant?

Inquiring about a candidate's past experiences in a similar role will reveal their skillset and suitability for the job. Asking this question also gives the applicant the opportunity to discuss their relevant employment history and elaborate on their roles and responsibilities in their previous job(s).

What specific skills do you possess that make you a good fit for an Executive Assistant role in a digital ad company?

This question allows the candidate to discuss the specific strengths that can add value to your digital ad company. With a clear understanding of their skills and how they can be applied within the confines of a digital ad company, you are set to identify if the candidate will be a valuable addition to your team.

Can you describe your experience with calendar management and meeting coordination?

Calendar management and meeting coordination are pivotal to this role. Asking this will help you understand the method and tools the candidate has utilized before to stay organized, manage schedules, and coordinate meetings effectively.

Do you have experience with preparing reports and presentations?

An Executive Assistant is often tasked with preparing reports and presentations. By asking this question, you can ensure that your potential new hire is comfortable with, and capable of, data compilation, analysis and presentation.

What project management tools or software are you familiar with?

Understanding what project management software or tools an applicant is familiar with can give you insight into their proficiency in technology.

How do you prioritize your tasks when scheduling your day?

This question uncovers a candidate's ability to manage their time effectively and prioritize tasks, which is critical when working in a fast-paced, demanding environment.

How do you handle confidential information?

As an Executive Assistant, the candidate would handle sensitive data. This question will help you understand not only how seriously they take confidentiality but also their ethical considerations when handling confidential information.

Can you describe a time when you had to manage a difficult situation in a professional setting?

This will give you a real-life example of their problem-solving skills and how they handle a crisis or stressful situation on a professional front.

How proficient are you in MS Office or Google Suite products?

Asking about familiarity and proficiency with these office suites can help determine a candidate's tech-savviness.

Describe your experience with minute taking and creating meeting agendas.

Preparation of meeting agendas and minute-taking are key responsibilities of an executive assistant. These responses will help you know if the prospective employee can fulfill these roles effectively.

How would you handle a situation where your executive has a scheduling conflict?

This question will help to identify how well the candidate is equipped to handle conflicts and their problem-solving tactics in rescheduling and managing conflicts.

What is your method for staying organized and keeping track of tasks?

Handling multiple responsibilities concurrently is typical for an executive assistant. Their organization methods and their strategy to stay on top of all tasks will provide a glimpse into their efficiency levels.

How comfortable are you with tech and using digital tools?

Asking this will give you an understanding of their comfort level with technology, which is crucial in a digital-based environment such as an ad agency.

Do you have experience working in an advertising environment?

This question gives the candidate an opportunity to share their relevant industry-specific experience, providing a clearer picture of how well acquainted they are with the requisite workflows and terminologies.

What are your communication skills like, both written and verbally?

An Executive Assistant's role requires excellent communication skills. Asking this question will ascertain if they have the required communication skills to function effectively.

Can you describe a time when you demonstrated initiative at work?

This question allows the candidate to show their proactive nature and buyer skills. It can also provide insights into their leadership potential and eagerness to contribute more than what is required or expected.

How comfortable are you with potential overtime or irregular hours?

Working outside of regular hours can often be part of an Executive Assistant's job and asking this straight up will ensure they are aware of and comfortable with this aspect of the role.

How do you handle stress and pressure in a fast-paced environment?

This question is crucial to understand how the candidate manages stress and remains efficient in a high-pressure, constantly changing work environment.

Can you give an example of a complex project you've managed from start to finish?

This question can give insights into a candidate's project management and completion skills. It also allows the candidate to showcase their ability to keep track of intricate details and effectively oversee multi-step projects.

Do you have experience coordinating travel arrangements and itineraries?

Asking this will help determine if the candidate is experienced and comfortable with making travel arrangements, an important aspect of an executive assistant’s role.